SCIENCE

VIEWING CELLS UNDER A MICROSCOPE

As part of our Year 8 Science ELMS cells unit we participated in an experiment looking at different types of cells. In the experiment, we prepared wet mount slides of the cells of a banana, elodea leaf and an onion. We learned about the process of staining cells and what benefits it has when looking at certain cells under a microscope. The staining process we used for both the onion and banana cells was adding a few drops of iodine instead of water to the slide over the sample we were using. 

The experiment taught us how to prepare a wet mount slide and how to apply stain and what changes it makes to the cell under a microscope. It was surreal to see the structures of a cell that we had been learning about in class under the microscope.

Isabella Groom, Anika Karra, and Neelima Agarwal

Year 8 ELMS Science Students